Rheinmetall and Destinus have announced plans to establish a joint venture focused on the production of advanced missile systems, as Europe seeks to expand its defense manufacturing capacity.

The new entity, to be named Rheinmetall Destinus Strike Systems, is expected to be formed in the second half of 2026 and will be headquartered in Germany. Rheinmetall will hold a 51% stake, while Destinus will own the remaining 49%.

The joint venture will specialize in the development and production of cruise missiles and ballistic rocket artillery, combining Rheinmetall’s large-scale manufacturing capabilities with Destinus’s expertise in missile technology and system design.

The partnership comes amid rising demand for scalable strike systems, driven by recent conflicts and increasing defense requirements across Europe and allied nations. The companies aim to deliver high-volume, industrial-scale missile production to meet evolving military needs, with potential market opportunities reaching billions of euros over time.

The venture will primarily target European and NATO markets, with potential expansion into selected partner countries.